According to Portland police, during the three days leading up to the Christmas holiday, a 69-year-old stranger who volunteered to help a 74-year-old woman carry groceries back to her home in downtown Portland locked the woman inside and sexually assaulted her repeatedly.
Kenneth Gregory Williams was taken into custody by police on Sunday, more than a week after the victim told them about her days-long ordeal. For the alleged crimes that occurred between December 23 and December 26, Williams faces charges of first-degree burglary, first-degree kidnapping, first-degree coercion, and three counts of first-degree rape.
On December 23, the woman informed police that she had taken a break while bringing bulky items home from the supermarket. Williams allegedly promised to help her the rest of the way at that point, barricaded the door of the woman’s house, and repeatedly sexually abused her after entering. On December 26, she was able to persuade Williams to depart, the woman informed authorities. After that, she visited the hospital.
On January 6, 2025, police posted a picture of 69-year-old Kenneth Gregory Williams and requested that anyone with information about him get in touch. Williams is charged with raping a senior citizen in Portland’s downtown.Office of the Multnomah County Sheriff
In a press statement on Monday, police stated that they are also looking into Williams on suspicion of committing another rape that has nothing to do with the case from December. Williams’ jail photo was made public by the police, who also stated that they think there might be more victims. They encouraged anyone with information to contact Detective Michael Bledsoe at [email protected] and mention case #24-332946.
On Monday, Williams had not yet entered a plea. On charges of assaulting the 74-year-old woman, he is expected to appear in Multnomah County Circuit Court for the first time in the middle of the day.
Aimee Green reports on the legal system and breaking news. You can contact her at [email protected] or @o_aimee, or 503-294-5119.
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